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Matchup breakdown: South Carolina running backs vs. Vanderbilt defense
By Jason Hall
Published:
In preparation for Saturday’s SEC East showdown between South Carolina and Vanderbilt, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Gamecocks and Commodores.
South Carolina RBs vs. Vanderbilt defense
The Vanderbilt Commodores are in for a tough matchup against No. 14 South Carolina in Nashville this weekend. The Gamecocks (2-1) are coming off two-straight wins, including a 38-35 thriller over No. 13 Georgia.
Vandy– on the other hand– has struggled through its first three games. The Commodores (1-2) dropped a surprising blowout to Temple in their season opener and a more foreseeable 41-3 loss to Ole Miss before capturing their first win over Massachusetts this past weekend.
Vanderbilt has struggled in many aspects, but shows some promise on defense under new head coach and former Stanford coordinator Derek Mason. However, the Commodores will face a talented South Carolina rushing attack, led by preseason Heisman hopeful Mike Davis and junior Brandon Wilds.
Davis started the 2014 season with a myriad of injuries and recorded just 15 yards on six attempts in the Gamecocks’ opener against Texas A&M. But he bounced back with a 101 yard performance against East Carolina in Week 2 and 66 yards vs. Georgia in Week 3.
Wilds currently leads the Gamecocks with 187 rushing yards on 37 attempts. He’s seen a steady growth in his numbers each game, recording a season-high 93 yards and a go-ahead touchdown that ultimately decided the outcome against Georgia last Saturday.
Both players are strong, talented running backs capable of wearing down defenses. Vanderbilt will need to see strong play from a relatively young defense in order to avoid a blowout. The Commodores depth chart lists four freshmen and three sophomores starting at seven of the 11 positions on defense. This bodes well for the experienced South Carolina rushing attack that usually fares favorably in most matchups.
Sophomore outside linebacker Stephen Weatherly and freshman inside linebacker Nigel Bowden currently lead Vanderbilt with 19 tackles each. Both players will have the tall task of slowing down the two-headed monster in the Gamecocks’ backfield. Senior nose tackle Vince Taylor will also play a major role in attempting to stuff running plays at the line of scrimmage in Vanderbilt’s 3-4 scheme.
The matchup ultimately favors South Carolina with a large disparity in talent and experience. Vanderbilt has struggled against lesser competition and shouldn’t be expected to do much different against the Gamecocks.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
